Surgicorps International is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide free surgical and medical care to people in need in developing countries. I will be part of the surgery team to provide medical and surgical care. As a plastic surgery physician assistant, I will be helping with preoperative care, postoperative care, intraoperative care and surgical assist, etc. Surgeries include but are not limited to cleft lip, palate surgeries, hand surgery and reconstructive treatment of traumatic injuries.
Through providing medical care to people in need, we help them to become functional members of their family and society and regain their confidence.
For the mission that I was selected, we will serve the population in Zambia. People who lack easy access to basic health care especially children with congenital deformities. In those area, patients must travel by foot for hours or days to get medical care. Oftentimes, children with deformities are at risk of isolation and unfair treatment such as losing the right to be go to school and being considered a burden on the family.
This is the population that is facing multiple adversity including but not limited to clean water, food source, and medical care. With no doubt, they are the population who needs help the most.
This medical mission will have a significant impact on individuals and communities in Zambia. The mission provides essential medical care to improve health outcomes for the population in Zambia. It also enhances preventative care by offering vaccinations and health education to the population. Most importantly, it brings hope to those who might otherwise never receive basic medical care due to barriers such as geographic isolation or financial constraints.
After returning from a medical mission trip, I can ensure that learnings are carried forward by documenting my experiences, challenges, and solutions encountered during the mission trip. This documentation can serve as valuable references for future endeavors and help me share insights with colleagues and peers. Additionally, engaging in community outreach activities allows me to share my experiences and lessons with the local community, raising awareness about healthcare issues in underserved areas and inspiring others to get involved in similar initiatives. Networking with other healthcare professionals involved in similar missions facilitates the exchange of ideas, resources, and best practices, enabling continuous learning and improvement in future missions.
Through Surgicorps International and Beit Cure Hospital in Zambia, I had the opportunity to work alongside a small group of medical professionals and serve 72 patients.
Almost all of the patients came from villages with minimal to no access to medical care. The majority suffered from congenital deformities, brachial plexus birth injuries, or burn injuries. Due to cultural beliefs, they were often perceived as cursed and faced bullying or even abandonment by their families.
Thanks to the surgical care provided by Surgicorps International, these individuals were able to regain functionality in their extremities and significantly improve their quality of life over time.
